Artistic rendering – Event may differ
First Night Chatham
First Night Chatham offers a vibrant, alcohol-free, town-wide celebration of the arts on New Year's Eve. With over 70 performances and activities, the event features a diverse array of live music, theater, interactive games, and family-friendly fun. Highlights include a spectacular fireworks display, a lively Noise Parade, and a special Town Photo at the Chatham Lighthouse. Explore various venues for everything from bluegrass and jazz to magic shows and craft studios, ensuring a memorable start to the new year for all.
What to Expect
Alcohol-free, town-wide arts celebration with over 70 performances.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $30 – Get tickets
- Parking: Public parking is available at Monomoy Regional Middle School (Crowell Road), Town Parking Lot (Main Street, behind the Orpheum Theater), Elementary School (Depot Road), Oyster Pond Parking Lot (Stage Harbor Rd.), and Eldredge Garage Parking Lot (365 Main St.).
- Accessibility: All venue sites are normally accessible.
- Pets: Service animals likely permitted, but general pet policy not explicitly stated. Event is family-friendly.
Other Christmas Events Near Chatham
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, and individuals seeking a festive new year's eve celebration.
Vibe
Festive, community-oriented, artistic, celebratory
Energy Level
Moderate to high
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate (many indoor options available)
Special Events & Promotions
- Town Photo at Chatham Lighthouse at Noon
- Noise Parade culminating in Fireworks
- Over 70 performances and activities
- Button-free activities available
- Free shuttle bus service
Location
Event Details
Duration
Noon to 10:00 PM
Ages
All ages (children 2 and under free)
Neighborhood
Chatham
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- All Worn Out Jug Band
- Atwater-Donnelly
- Tony Bennett Duets
- Natalia Bonfini
- Brewster Bayside Skippers
- Brown Dog Band
- Bubble Wrap Stomp
- Sarah Burrill Band
- Max Calderbank and Friends
- Cape Cod Fiddlers
- Dennis Flaherty & Cape Cod Jazz Trio
- The Cape Cod Sax Trio
- Cape Cod & Chatham Trivia
- Cape Cod Ukulele Club
- Carnival Caper
- Johnny Cash - Songs and Stories
- Catfish – Unusual Suspects
- Chatham Railroad Museum
- Cirque du Jour
- The Clancy Tradition
- Classic Jazz Visions
- Fred Clayton Blues Band
- Colum Cille
- Community Handbell Ringers
- CrabGrass Bluegrass Band
- Curly & Rich
- The Drumma Queens
- Face Painting by Punky-Doodles & Friends
- Fireworks at Veterans Field
- Friendly Fowl
- The Danny Gallagher Band
- Bob Giannini & Bill Douglas
- Ana Glig and James Rosenblum
- The Grab Brothers Acoustic Duo
- Horns Rock!
- IllusionQuest
- J Place & the Rockers
- Julie and Denya
- Sue Keller
- Kids' Craft Studio
- Haley Labdon
- Larry & Vic
- Giant Legos & Carnival Games
- Zoë Lewis
- Luminous Being
- The Marchio Family
- Miniature Golf
- Áine Minogue
- Monomoy Seven
- Willie Nelson - Songs and Stories
- New England Digital Orchestra
- Noise Parade
- Old Exit 11
- Vanna Pacella
- Trevor Pearson
- Riptide
- Monica Rizzio & The Round Up
- Rock N Roll Racing
- Salted Folk
- Salty Boots
- Snowmen Scavenger Hunt
- Simply the Best
- Suede
- Sweet Home Chicago
- Taylor Swift Dance Party
- Swing 440
- Tanglewood Marionettes
- Toe Jam Puppet Band
- Too Marvelous for Words
- Town Photo
- TRIO
- The UnHoly Mackerels
- Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy
- Miss Julia Violet
- Watch Your Step
- We Are The Men
Organizer
First Night Chatham Committee
Food & Drink
Food and non-alcoholic beverages are sold by a variety of vendors, some indoors and some outdoors. Alcohol is not permitted.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Purchase your buttons in advance, as they have sold out in previous years. Check the website for merchant locations or buy online for 'Will Call' pickup.
- Arrive early for popular performances, as seating is first-come, first-served and lines can form well before showtimes.
- Utilize the free shuttle bus service to navigate between venues, especially those not located on Main Street, to avoid parking hassles.
- Many outdoor activities are button-free, offering a great way to enjoy the festive atmosphere without a ticket. Check the 'Button-Free' page for details.
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be moving between various indoor and outdoor locations throughout the day and evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a button required to attend First Night Chatham?
A button is required for most indoor entertainment and activities. However, many outdoor activities are button-free, and you can enjoy the town's ambiance and food vendors without one.
Where can I buy buttons?
Buttons are available at First Night Chatham Headquarters, several local merchants in Chatham and nearby towns, and online until a specified date. Check the 'Buy Buttons' page for locations and details.
How much do buttons cost?
Adult buttons are $30 (ages 17+), and children's buttons are $5 (ages 3-16). Children aged 2 and under are free. All sales are final.
When is the latest I can buy buttons?
Online 'Ship to Home' orders end around December 16th. All subsequent online orders are 'Will Call'. Merchant sales stop around December 29-30, after which buttons are only sold at Headquarters.
Where can I find food?
A variety of food vendors will be available both indoors and outdoors. A list of vendors and open restaurants can be found on the 'Food Vendors' and 'Restaurants' pages of the website.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.